U.S. patent application number 13/317890 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-02 for free-standing action target mechanism for firearm training.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark C. Larue. Invention is credited to Mark C. Larue.
Application Number | 20130106059 13/317890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48171591 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130106059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larue; Mark C. |
May 2, 2013 |
Free-standing action target mechanism for firearm training
Abstract
A free-standing post supported target mechanism has a support
post of a defined cross-sectional geometry. A baseplate defines a
post opening receiving the support post and has a first orientation
permitting movement of the baseplate along the length of the
support post and a second orientation establishing a gripping
relation with the support post. A spall plate defines a post
opening receiving the support post and has a first orientation
permitting movement of the spall plate along the length of the
support post and a second orientation establishing a gripping
relation of the spall plate with the support post. A target plate
engages the baseplate and the spall plate and is secured by a
locking member. A target base defines a receptacle receiving and
supporting the support post and establishes a weight-forward
condition that offsets the rearward forces of bullet impact.
Inventors: |
Larue; Mark C.; (Leander,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Larue; Mark C. |
Leander |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48171591 |
Appl. No.: |
13/317890 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 1/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/407 |
International
Class: |
F41J 1/10 20060101
F41J001/10 |
Claims
1. A free-standing post supported target mechanism, comprising: a
target support post having a defined cross-sectional geometry; a
baseplate structure having a post opening receiving said support
post and having a first orientation permitting movement of said
baseplate structure along the length of said support post and a
second orientation establishing substantially immoveable gripping
relation of said baseplate with said support post; a spall plate
structure defining a post opening receiving said support post and
having a first orientation permitting movement of said spall plate
structure along the length of said support post and a second
orientation establishing substantially immoveable gripping relation
of said spall plate with said support post; a target plate having
locking engagement with said baseplate structure and with said
spall plate structure; and a locking member establishing locking of
said target plate to said baseplate and spall plate.
2. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 1,
comprising: said baseplate defining a rear portion defining said
post opening thereof and having a front portion oriented toward a
firing position from which bullets are fired toward said
free-standing post supported target mechanism; and a bullet
deflection flange member projecting laterally and upwardly from
said baseplate and defining a bullet and bullet component deflector
minimizing reflection of bullets and bullet components toward the
firing position.
3. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 1,
comprising: said baseplate and said spall plate each defining
spaced openings; said target plate having downwardly extending
projections extending through said spaced openings; and said
locking member engaging one of said downwardly extending
projections and securing said downwardly extending projection
within said spaced openings.
4. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 1,
comprising: said baseplate and said spall plate each defining a
pair of spaced openings being disposed in aligned registry; said
target plate having a pair of downwardly extending projections
extending through said spaced openings and defining locking pin
openings; and said locking member being a pair of locking pins each
engaging within one of said locking pin openings of said downwardly
extending projections and securing said downwardly extending
projections within said spaced openings of said downwardly
extending projections.
5. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 1,
comprising: said defined cross-sectional geometry of said target
support post being generally square; and having a corner thereof
oriented toward a direction from which bullets are fired at said
post supported target mechanism; said post openings of said
baseplate and said spall plate each being of substantially square
configuration and receiving said target support post therein and
when oriented in substantially normal relation with said target
support post being moveable along the length of said target support
post and when oriented in inclined relation with said target
support post establishing a binding and substantially immoveable
relation with said target support post; and a target support base
having a receptacle receiving and supporting the lower end of said
support post.
6. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 5,
comprising: said corner of said target support post being a front
corner, said target post also having a rear corner facing away from
the direction from which bullets are fired at said target plate;
and said pair of spaced openings of said baseplate and said spall
plate each having a corner facing the direction from which bullets
are fired at said target plate and establishing a combined weight
that is greater at said front corner of said target support post
and establishes a weight-forward target condition that permits
bullet strike absorption and minimizes the potential that the
target will be forced to fall over backwards by the force of bullet
strikes.
7. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 1,
comprising: a support base having a post support receptacle
receiving and supporting said target support post; and support leg
members projecting forwardly and laterally from said post support
receptacle and enhancing said weight-forward target condition of
said post supported target mechanism.
8. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 7,
comprising: fastener members securing said support leg members to
said post support receptacle.
9. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 7,
comprising: said post support receptacle having a generally
rectangular cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the
configuration and orientation of said target support post.
10. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 1,
comprising: said target support post being of substantially square
cross-sectional configuration and defining a corner oriented
forwardly toward the direction from which bullets are fired at said
target mechanism; said baseplate and said spall plate each defining
elongate slots disposed in aligned registry; and a post protector
plate extending through said elongate slots and extending
downwardly below said baseplate along said forwardly oriented
corner of said target support post.
11. A free-standing post supported target mechanism, comprising: a
target support post having a generally rectangular cross-sectional
configuration and defining a forward corner disposed in facing
relation with the direction from which bullets are fired at said
target; a baseplate structure having a generally rectangular post
opening receiving said support post and having a first orientation
permitting movement of said baseplate structure along the length of
said support post and a second orientation establishing
substantially immoveable gripping relation of said baseplate with
said support post; a spall plate structure defining a generally
rectangular post opening receiving said support post and having a
first orientation permitting movement of said spall plate structure
along the length of said support post and a second orientation
establishing substantially immoveable gripping relation of said
spall plate with said support post; a target plate having locking
engagement with said baseplate structure and said spall plate
structure and being oriented to establish a weight-forward target
condition that resists target knock down by the energy of bullet
strikes on said target plate; a locking member establishing locking
of said target plate to said baseplate and spall plate; a support
base having a post support receptacle receiving and supporting said
target support post; and support leg members projecting forwardly
and laterally from said post support receptacle and enhancing said
weight-forward target condition of said post supported target
mechanism.
12. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 11,
comprising: said baseplate defining a rear portion defining said
post opening thereof and having a front portion oriented toward a
firing position from which bullets are fired toward said
free-standing post supported target mechanism; and a bullet
deflection flange member projecting laterally and upwardly from
said baseplate and defining a bullet and bullet component deflector
minimizing reflection of bullets and bullet components toward the
firing position.
13. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 11,
comprising: said corner of said target support post being a front
corner, said target post also having a rear corner facing away from
the direction from which bullets are fired at said target plate;
and said pair of spaced openings of said baseplate and said spall
plate each having a corner facing the direction from which bullets
are fired at said target plate and establishing a combined weight
that is greater at said front corner of said target support post
and establishes a weight-forward target condition that permits
bullet strike absorption and minimizes the potential that the
target will be forced to fall over backwards by the force of bullet
strikes.
14. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 11,
comprising: said generally rectangular cross-section of said target
support post being a square cross-sectional configuration; said
post receptacle of said support base being of square
cross-sectional configuration and receiving and supporting said
square target support post; and support leg members projecting
forwardly and laterally from said post support receptacle and
enhancing said weight-forward target condition of said post
supported target mechanism; and fastener members securing said
support leg members to said post support receptacle.
15. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 11,
comprising: said target support post being of substantially square
cross-sectional configuration and defining a corner oriented
forwardly toward the direction from which bullets are fired at said
target mechanism; said baseplate and said spall plate each defining
elongate slots disposed in aligned registry; and a post protector
plate extending through said elongate slots and extending
downwardly below said baseplate along said forwardly oriented
corner of said target support post.
16. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 11,
comprising: said baseplate and said spall plate each defining
spaced openings; said target plate having downwardly extending
projections extending through said spaced openings; and said
locking member engaging one of said downwardly extending
projections and securing said downwardly extending projection
within said spaced openings.
17. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 11,
comprising: said baseplate and said spall plate each defining a
pair of spaced openings being disposed in aligned registry; said
target plate having a pair of downwardly extending projections
extending through said spaced openings and defining locking pin
openings; said locking member being a pair of locking pins each
engaging within one of said locking pin openings of said downwardly
extending projections and securing said downwardly extending
projections within said spaced openings of said downwardly
extending projections; said baseplate and said spall plate each
defining elongate slots disposed in aligned registry; and a post
protector plate extending through said elongate slots and extending
downwardly below said baseplate along said forwardly oriented
corner of said target support post.
18. A free-standing post supported target mechanism, comprising: a
target support post having a square cross-sectional configuration
and defining a forward corner disposed in facing relation with the
direction from which bullets are fired at said target; a baseplate
structure having a rear portion defining a square post opening
having gripping edges receiving said support post and having a
first orientation normal with said support post and permitting
movement of said baseplate structure along the length of said
support post and a second orientation in angular relation with said
support post with said gripping edges establishing substantially
immoveable gripping relation of said baseplate with said support
post; said baseplate defining a front portion oriented toward a
firing position from which bullets are fired toward said
free-standing post supported target mechanism; and a bullet
deflection flange member projecting laterally and upwardly from
said baseplate and defining a bullet and bullet component deflector
minimizing reflection of bullets and bullet components toward the
firing position; a spall plate structure defining a generally
rectangular post opening receiving said support post and having a
first orientation permitting movement of said spall plate structure
along the length of said support post and a second orientation
establishing substantially immoveable gripping relation of said
spall plate with said support post; said square post openings of
said baseplate structure and said spall plate each defining a
corner disposed in facing relation with the direction from which
bullets are fired at said post supported target mechanism. a target
plate having locking engagement with said baseplate structure and
said spall plate structure; a locking member establishing locking
of said target plate to said baseplate and spall plate; a support
base having a post support receptacle receiving and supporting said
target support post; support leg members projecting forwardly and
laterally from said post support receptacle and enhancing said
weight-forward target condition of said post supported target
mechanism; and said baseplate structure, said spall plate and said
support leg members each being located near said forward corner of
said support post and establishing a weight-forward target
condition that resists target knock down by the energy of bullet
strikes on said target plate.
19. The free-standing post supported target mechanism of claim 18,
comprising: said target support post being of substantially square
cross-sectional configuration and defining a corner oriented
forwardly toward the direction from which bullets are fired at said
target mechanism; said baseplate and said spall plate each defining
elongate slots disposed in aligned registry; and a post protector
plate extending through said elongate slots and extending
downwardly below said baseplate along said forwardly oriented
corner of said target support post and protecting an upper portion
of said target support post from damage by stray bullet strikes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to target devices
that are employed by firearm users for the purpose of marksmanship
training and practice, for general shooting activities and for
sighting in the various types of sighting devices that are mounted
on firearms. More particularly, the present invention concerns a
portable free-standing target mechanism that presents a silhouette
or other type of target on a bullet resistant panel that enables a
firearm user to determine when the target has been struck, thus
verifying the accuracy of firearm sighting and shooting activities.
Even more specifically, the present invention concerns a portable
target mechanism that can be set up or taken down in a short period
of time and requires little or no preparation of the site, except
for the choice of a site having a backdrop that is capable of
stopping any bullets that should miss the target.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Regardless whether a firearm is to be used for tactical
shooting activities by military or police personnel, is to be used
for hunting or sporting shooting activities or is intended to be
used for training by competitive marksmen, there is virtually
always a need for shooting bullets at targets. Targets can be
provided at permanent shooting ranges and can be fixed or can be
moveable from a retracted non-exposed position to an exposed
position where the target can be seen by a shooter. The target can
be of the silhouette type, typically representing the body or torso
of a human, or the body of an animal, or can be in the form of a
panel that is provided with a replaceable paper target that is
printed with target indicia in the form of circles, squares or
other desired shapes. Portable firearm targets are also frequently
provided, which can be set up for shooting activities in a short
period of time; however these types of target devices or mechanisms
are typically lacking from the standpoint of durability and are
often damaged and rendered useless during firearm shooting
activities.
[0005] Silhouette targets, whether permanently installed or of
portable nature typically employ a bullet resistant panel that is
composed of a durable material, such as steel plate, that can
reflect a bullet or its components back along its trajectory when
struck, thus presenting considerable hazard to the user of the
firearm. Steel plate material has an inherent spring-like
characteristic, and when struck by a bullet, the spring
characteristic of the target plate, resulting from the preloading
energy of a bullet strike, can propel the bullet directly back to
the shooter. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a plate-like
target that is supported in predetermined angulated orientation
that directs a reflected bullet into the ground or away from the
shooter. It is also desirable to provide a target mechanism having
a bullet resistant metal panel and also having the capability for
catching or redirecting a reflected bullet and preventing its
reflected flight in any direction away from the target plate of a
target mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is a primary feature of the present invention to provide
a novel free-standing target mechanism having a bullet resistant
target plate and having a support structure that is adapted for
receiving a wood or other type of post for support and positioning
of the target mechanism;
[0007] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a
novel free-standing target mechanism that supports a bullet
resistant target plate in angulated position for directing
reflected bullets and bullet components safely away from the
firearm user; and
[0008] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a
novel free-standing target mechanism having a bullet-resistant
target plate and further incorporating a spall member that is also
bullet-resistant and serves to essentially catch reflected bullets
and bullet components and prevent them from being reflected and
potentially representing a hazard to the shooter or any other
personnel or equipment that may be situated in the vicinity of the
shooting activity.
[0009] Briefly, the various objects and features of the present
invention are realized by a portable, free-standing target
mechanism having a base structure that efficiently supports the
target mechanism on the ground or on any other essentially flat
surface. The base structure defines a receptacle within which is
received the lower end of a support post that can be composed of
wood, metal or any of a number of suitable polymer materials. The
post base includes a pair of angulated forwardly-projecting leg
members that compensate for the weight of a target plate and its
plate support structure.
[0010] A target positioning member, which can be composed of plate
material, such as bullet resistant steel, such as "rifle steel",
defines an opening that is of a dimension permitting the target
positioning member, when oriented at a first predetermined
position, to be received in moveable relation along the length of
the support post and when oriented at a second predetermined
position, to establish a binding and gripping relation with the
support post. The first predetermined position may be described as
"substantially level" and the second predetermined position may be
described as "angulated" or inclined with respect to the
horizontal. The target support member also defines an
upwardly-projecting portion which is disposed in angulated relation
with a body portion of the support member and serves to catch or
redirect any reflected bullets and bullet fragments and ensure that
the bullets are rendered safe.
[0011] A spall unit incorporates a spall support structure which
defines a rectangular shaped opening and also receives the support
post and has a first position establishing a moveable relation with
the support post and a second position establishing a gripping or
binding relation with the support post. The spall assembly is
preferably composed of bullet resistant steel plate material, such
as AR500 hard armor plate steel, having a hardness of 500 Brinell
and commonly referred to as "rifle steel". The spall assembly may
be composed of any other suitable bullet resistant material, and
serves to resist the damage that could otherwise be caused by
bullet strikes during target shooting activity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that the manner in which the above recited features,
advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and
can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the
preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended
drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.
[0013] It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings
illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In the Drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of a target assembly,
representing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and
showing a support base and spall unit and having a support post
supporting and positioning the spall unit above the support
base;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric illustration showing the
components of the target mechanism of the FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the upper portion of the support
post and shows a portion of the base plate structure, illustrating
in full line the moveable relation of the base plate structure with
the support post and illustrating in broken line, the binding and
immoveable relation of the base plate structure with the support
post; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view showing the assembled
condition of the post supported target apparatus of the present
invention, and illustrating the relative positions of the
components thereof in detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] Referring now to the drawings and first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a
target mechanism embodying the principles of the present invention
is shown generally at 10 and incorporates a support base assembly,
shown generally at 12, and having a post support member 14 of
tubular form that defines a post support receptacle 15. The post
support receptacle may be open completely through or, if desired,
may be closed by a lower closure plate or panel. The post support
receptacle 15 preferably has a generally rectangular or square
cross-sectional configuration, corresponding to the cross-sectional
configuration of a 4''.times.4'' wood post 22, or may have any
other tubular form, such as cylindrical, octagonal, triangular,
etc., as desired. To the lower end portion of the post support
member 14 is mounted a pair of support legs 16 and 18 that extend
laterally and forwardly from the post support member.
[0019] Each of the support legs is preferably an independent leg
member that is mounted to the post support member 14 by means of
bolts or any other suitable fasteners 19, as shown in the exploded
isometric illustration of FIG. 2. Bolted mounting of the support
leg members permits the leg members to be removed, if desired, so
that the target unit can be easily stored, and can be quickly and
efficiently assembled via the use of a simple wrench. When in
assembly with the post support member 14, the lower surfaces 19 of
the forwardly and laterally extending leg members are substantially
coincident with an imaginary plane "P" to which the lower end of
the post support member 14 is also coincident. If desired, however,
the support legs 16 and 18 may be defined by an integral leg unit
having its centermost portion essentially wrapped around the lower
rear portion of the post support member 14 and being bolted, welded
or otherwise fixed to the lower end portion of the post support
member as desired. The forwardly and laterally extending support
legs 16 and 18, in addition to providing supporting stability for
the target support post 22, also provide a weight-forward
characteristic, adding to the forwardly acting characteristic of a
target and spall unit, shown generally at 20 and permitting the
target support post member 22 to be oriented substantially
vertically when the target mechanism is in position for shooting
activity. It should be borne in mind that the term "weight-forward"
is intended to mean that the target apparatus and its support
apparatus establish a greater weight that is oriented in a forward
direction, toward the point from which bullets are fired to strike
the target assembly. Because of this weight-forward characteristic,
the force of a bullet strike on the target is offset by the
weight-forward condition and will resist the tendency of a bullet
force to cause the target assembly to fall over backwards.
[0020] While the post support member 14 is shown to have a
rectangular, i.e., square, cross-sectional configuration, so as to
receive the rectangular target support post 22, which preferably is
a square 4''.times.4'' wood post, it is not intended to limit the
spirit and scope of the present invention to this particular
geometric form or material. The support post and the target support
member may have rectangular cross-section or to restrict the
present invention to use with square posts or posts constructed of
wood. The support post 22 may have any of a wide variety of
cross-sectional configurations, such as circular, triangular,
octagonal, etc., as mentioned above, and the post support member 14
and its post support receptacle 15 may have a corresponding
geometric configuration without departing from the spirit and scope
of this invention.
[0021] Likewise, the support leg members 16 and 18 may be of
rectangular configuration as shown, such as being composed of solid
metal bar material, such as steel bar stock, or may have any of a
number of other cross-sectional configurations, such as circular,
triangular, octagonal, etc. as desired. The support leg members may
be solid or of tubular form, if desired, it only being necessary
that they be of sufficient structural integrity and weight for
efficiently and adequately supporting the target mechanism and
resistance to the forces of bullet strikes. Preferably, the support
leg members 16 and 18 will be composed of solid bar stock, so as to
enhance the weight-forward characteristics of the free-standing
target assembly.
[0022] It should be borne in mind that the free-standing target
assembly will be designed according to a particular range of
bullets and cartridges. While a free-standing target assembly of
the present invention may be efficiently utilized for a class of
cartridges, such as 5.56, 7.62, 300 Win Mag and 338 Lapua, larger
and more powerful cartridges, such as the 0.50 BMG will likely
cause damage to some components of the target mechanism. For these
more powerful cartridges, the target mechanism will need to be
designed to accommodate the larger forces of 50 BMG and the like.
Also, to prevent accelerated wear of target components, the
distance of the target assembly from the point of shooting should
be controlled according to the energy characteristics of particular
cartridges.
[0023] The spall unit 20 includes a base plate structure 24 that is
composed of bullet-resistant material, such as AR500 hard armor
plate steel, having a hardness of 500 Brinell and commonly referred
to as "rifle steel", and defines a post opening 26 having an
internal geometry corresponding to the geometry of the target
support post 22 as is evident in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In the drawings
the target support post 22 is shown to have a square
cross-sectional configuration, thus the post opening 26 also
defines a square internal geometry. The support post opening 26 is
sufficiently large that the base plate structure will slide or can
be easily moved along the length of the target support post, when
the base plate structure is oriented in essentially normal relation
with the post as shown in full line in FIG. 3. When the base plate
structure 24 is oriented in inclined relation with respect to the
horizontal, as shown in broken line in FIG. 3, the base plate
structure will establish a gripping or binding relation with the
support post, preventing further movement of the base plate
structure relative to the target support post. This post gripping
or binding relation is enhanced by the rather sharp corners 25 and
27 that are defined by the intersection of the post opening 26 with
the upper and lower surfaces 28 and 29 of the base plate structure
24. These sharp corners tend to bite into the wood material of the
support post, or establish a binding effect, if the post is
composed of metal material or a polymer material. The post opening
26 and the post receptacle 15 of the post base member 14 are
oriented so that a corner of the post base member and target
support post 22 is positioned to face forwardly, i.e., toward the
point from which the shooter will fire bullets at the target.
[0024] As further shown in the exploded isometric illustration of
FIG. 2, the base plate structure 24 defines an elongate slot 30 for
receiving a post protector plate 32 and a pair of spaced elongate
receptacle openings 34 and 36 for receiving spaced downwardly
projecting connecting tabs 38 and 40 of a target plate 42. The
spaced downwardly projecting connecting tabs 38 and 40 of the
target plate 42 each define through holes 44 and 46 through which
locking pins 48 and 50 extend, to secure the connecting tabs 38 and
40 within the receptacle openings 34 and 36. The baseplate
structure 24 also defines an upwardly projecting bullet reflection
flange 52, which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The bullet reflection
flange may be formed by simply bending a lower portion of the
bullet resistant plate material of the baseplate 24 so that, with
the baseplate at its downwardly and forwardly inclined position,
the bullet reflection flange will be oriented in an upward
angulated and forwardly projecting position. This feature ensures
that bullets and bullet fragments will be directed downwardly from
the target plate and will essentially be caught in the angular
region 53 that is defined by intersection of the bullet reflection
flange 52 with the baseplate 24. The upwardly projecting bullet
reflection flange 52 may also be welded, bolted or otherwise
attached to the base plate member 24 if desired.
[0025] A spall plate member 54, also composed of bullet resistant
material, defines a post opening 56 having the configuration of the
support post member 22 and serving to establish moveable or binding
relationships with the support post member depending on its
position with respect to the support in similar manner as discussed
above in connection with the support plate structure 24. The spall
plate member 54 also defines an elongate slot 58 and spaced through
holes 60 and 62 which have the same purpose as described above
concerning the elongate slot 36 and the space through holes 34 and
36 of the base plate structure.
[0026] The post openings of the baseplate and spall plate are
preferably of square configuration and define four corners, as
shown in FIG. 2. One of these corners of each of the baseplate and
spall plate is designated as the front or forward corner 23 and is
oriented to face the point from which the shooter fires bullets at
the target. Another of these corners is designated as the rear or
back corner 25 and is oriented to face away from the shooting
point. Two of the corners are designated as side corners 27 and are
oriented substantially perpendicular to a line passing through the
front and rear corners 23 and 25.
[0027] With the base plate 24 and the spall plate 54 properly
spaced and positioned relative to the support post 22, the
downwardly projecting connection tabs 38 and 40 will project
through both sets of elongate slots 60-62 and 34-36 so that the
through holes 44 and 46 will be positioned below the baseplate. The
locking pins 48 and 50 are extended through the through holes and
the locking rings thereof are pivoted to the locked positions. The
post protector plate 32 extends through the aligned elongate slots
58 and 30 of the spall plate 54 and the base plate structure 24 and
extends downwardly along the upper front portion of the target
support post and protects an upper portion of the target support
post from the damaging effects of errant bullet strikes. The post
protector plate 32 defines a pair of laterally extending
positioning tabs 62 and 64, which engage the upper surface of the
spall plate member 54 adjacent the spaced elongate openings 60 and
62, and serve as stop members to prevent further downward movement
of the post protector plate 32 relative to the spall plate 54. If
desired, the post protector plate may be eliminated from the target
assembly, since it is not necessary for positioning of the target
plate member 42. However, its use is desirable, since bullet
strikes below the target plate, which often happen, will not damage
the upper portion of the target support post 22
[0028] The post openings 26 and 56 of the base plate 24 and spall
plate 54 permit the base plate and the spall plate to be positioned
at any desired elevation along the length of the support post 22 so
that the elevation of the target plate 42 may be easily adjusted a
desired elevation that suits the needs of the shooter.
Assembly and Operation
[0029] Assuming the target support base 12 is intended to be
positioned on the ground or on any other relatively flat surface,
shown at "P" in FIG. 4, the support leg members 16 and 18 will be
attached to the post receptacle 15 by installing and tightening the
leg support bolts 19. When the target support base 12 is in the
desired position, with the front corner of the post support member
14 facing the shooting point, the lower end portion of a support
post member 22 will be inserted into the post support receptacle
15. As an alternative, assuming a more permanent target
installation is intended, the support post 22 can be installed by
securing it within a post hole in the soil. The soil surrounding
the support post 22 will then be tamped so as to adequately secure
the post within the post hole. As a further alternative, the post
may simply be concreted within a post hole.
[0030] With the support post 22 positioned substantially vertically
by the target support base 12 or by any other suitable means, the
baseplate and the spall plate will be positioned with rectangular
openings 56 and 26 positioned to permit movement of the support
post therethrough. To permit positioning movement of the baseplate
and spall plate downwardly along a desired length of the target
support post 22, these plates will be oriented with the plate
structures located generally horizontally, and thus substantially
perpendicularly with the target support post. When the desired
positions of the base plate and spall plate have been achieved,
these plate members will be shifted from a horizontal orientation
to an angular orientation, causing the rather sharp edges of the
plate openings to establish a binding or locking relation with
respect to the support post 22, thus essentially locking the plates
against further downward movement relative to the support post. At
this point, the elongate through holes 60 and 62 of the spall plate
will be positioned in aligned registry with the through holes 34
and 36 of the base plate.
[0031] The target plate member 42 will then be lowered and its
downwardly projecting connection tabs 38 and 40 will be extended
through the aligned elongate through holes so that the locking pin
holes 44 and 46 of the connection tabs will be located below the
lower surface of the base plate 24. The locking pins 48 and 50 will
then be inserted through the locking pin holes and the locking
rings of the locking pins will be moved to the locked positions
thereof. While the target mechanism may be effectively used in this
assembled condition, the upper portion of the support post 22 can
be struck and damaged by stray bullets. In a fairly short time the
support post will need replacement due to the damage that is caused
by bullet strikes. To prolong the service life of the support post,
the post protector plate 32 can be inserted downwardly through the
aligned elongate slots 58 and 30 of the spall plate and base plate
to the point that the lateral positioning tabs 62 and 64 establish
positioning engagement with the upper surface of the spall plate
54. At this position a major portion of the post protector plate
will extend downwardly, below the baseplate 24, and will be
positioned in front of the target support post, thus protecting the
upper portion of the support post 22 from damage by bullet
strikes.
[0032] In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present
invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and
features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and
features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.
[0033] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the
present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.
Therefore, the present embodiment is to be considered as merely
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and
all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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